Besides this, you know what time it is , how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. Romans 13:11-14
Welcome those who are weak in faith, but not for the purpose of quarreling over opinions. Some believe in eating anything, while the weak eat only vegetables. Those who eat must despise those who abstain, and those who abstain must not pass judgment on those who eat; for God welcomed them. Who are you to pass judgment on servants of another? It is before their own lord that they stand or fall. And they will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make them stand. Romans 14:1-4
What if we were not just talking about food here. Obviously we have come to accept people who come to a potluck at church and are vegetarians or meat eaters. Even though there are still some odd looks directed at people who don't do "any meat." But what if we are also to consider the differences among us even as they would cause us to consider some "weak in faith" - not yet able to freely live within the realm of God's unconditional love? Isn't the most important basis for participation in the church the fact that we are each welcomed by God? From that foundation the church is formed and built. It is not our calling to serve as "gatekeepers" or "inspectors" who think we can judge the appropriateness of the life of another person in the body of Christ. We must not be afraid to let the Holy Spirit shape us even as we gather as a diverse and odd collection of people who stand together in Christ even as we may have as great a difference between us as what we eat.
Connection: We must learn to listen to the people who are in the church. Listen to what it is that has taken place in their lives that has caused them to come into the church and join in the praising of our God. The life stories may differ and the life decisions may differ and the life directions may differ...but listen....listen to the common bond we have...listen to the name of Jesus lifted up and the praise of our God who delivers and sustains us all.
Blessed Lord, take us all. By the power of your Holy Spirit inspire us to be graceful with one another and to become so concerned about the welfare of others that we actually listen to their story of how you have acted in their lives to make them followers of your Son, Jesus. Amen
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